The downtown Hayward Street Party season opens June 21 with four bands, a 100-vehicle car show, street entertainers, food, and family fun as part of "Hot Salsa and Cool Blues Night." The event kicks off three traditional Thursday night street parties; "Wild West Days" follows on July 19 and "California Dreamin" on August 16.

The Hot Salsa and Cool Blues party will be celebrated on B Street between Foothill Boulevard and City Hall on Watkins Street. Among the bands will be salsa ensemble Lava on the B Street Stage; funk, soul and blues of Third Sol in the Blues Garden at Newman Park; and the classic rockabilly and old time rock and roll of The Royal Deuces on the Bistro Patio Stage. A band yet to be announced will headline the Buffalo Bills Stage.

Additional fun will be provided by street entertainers, face-painters and games for kids. Adults will enjoy the 100 hot rods and classics at the Vic Hubbard Speed and Marine Car Show on Main Street and great brews will be served in two beer/soda gardens.

"Hayward street parties have been bringing families to our city center to celebrate the summer for 12 years," said Kim Huggett, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. "These free events are part of a great Hayward tradition of community celebrations that appeal to all ages."

The street party series, in its 13th year, is made possible through cooperation of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hayward, and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA). The DBIA is a consortium of businesses that work together to make the downtown area clean and safe and a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and the arts.

The chamber office is still accepting reservations from vendors. For information, call (510) 537-2424 or visit the website at www.hayward.org.